Seminar held on President Xi Jinping’s broader vision for creating a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind
Newswire
Islamabad: The China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) this week hosted an in-depth seminar focusing on the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), a cornerstone of President Xi Jinping’s broader vision for creating a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind.
This seminar brought together prominent experts from both Pakistan and China who underscored the importance of the GCI in promoting global peace, fostering cooperation, and encouraging mutual respect and dialogue among diverse civilizations.
Sohail Mahmood, the Director General of ISSI, highlighted President Xi’s three transformative initiatives—the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI)—as a comprehensive and alternative approach to global governance and human advancement. Grounded in Chinese wisdom and principles of peaceful coexistence, the GCI, launched by President Xi in March 2023, centers on respecting diversity, fostering mutual learning, encouraging innovation, and promoting people-to-people exchanges. Mahmood emphasized that these initiatives are designed to create lasting peace, stability, and development globally, with Pakistan being among the earliest nations to express its support.
Mahmood further stressed the critical role of cultural integration and social cohesion in global progress, citing a metaphor from President Xi Jinping: “A single flower does not make spring, while one hundred flowers in full bloom bring spring to the garden.”
Masood Khalid, the keynote speaker and former Pakistani Ambassador to China, offered a comprehensive overview of China’s integrated approach to global governance through the GDI, GSI, and GCI. He illustrated how these initiatives provide strategic direction for constructing a global community with a shared future, embracing necessary changes, and addressing the various challenges that humanity faces today. Khalid also recognized Pakistan’s unwavering support for China’s initiatives, noting the strong and mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries.
Ms. Xiang Yang, Director of the China Study Centre at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), provided practical insights into the implementation of GCI principles. She highlighted the collaborative efforts between China and Pakistan, particularly in cultural exchange and innovation, and referenced initiatives like the establishment of Zhenghe College at NUST, symbolizing the historical and ongoing cultural interactions between the two nations.
Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan, Director of the China Study Centre at COMSATS University, explored the GCI’s significance from the perspectives of China, Pakistan, and the broader region. He stressed the importance of Pakistan aligning with the global narrative of peaceful development and leveraging the GCI to strengthen its ties with China. Dr. Awan advocated for greater cultural diplomacy, media collaborations, and educational exchanges to enhance the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and China.
Dr. Yasir Masood, a Senior Research Fellow at China Global Television Network (CGTN), discussed the GCI as an extension of China’s vision for a harmonious and multipolar world order. He emphasized the initiative’s role in fostering mutual respect and learning among civilizations, moving beyond the zero-sum strategies of the past.
Yang Nuo, Minister Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, commended the Institute of Strategic Studies for organizing the seminar on the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). He underscored the significance of Xi Jinping’s initiatives, including the GCI, Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Development Initiative (GDI), especially in the face of global challenges such as economic instability and cultural conflicts.
Yang highlighted China’s dedication to promoting cultural exchanges, enhancing harmony, and collaborating with Pakistan on cultural heritage conservation. He emphasized that civilizational exchanges are vital for global harmony and noted that the Chinese Embassy is actively working to develop a China-Pakistan community that could serve as a model for both the region and the world.
Earlier, during his opening remarks, Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director of the China-Pakistan Study Centre at ISSI, described the GCI as a call for creating a more inclusive and interconnected global community. He outlined its four key principles: respect for diverse civilizations, shared human values, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges. Dr. Shabbir underscored that the GCI seeks to create a global environment where modernization is a collective goal, with respect and support for each country’s unique development path.
